Mountain View County council has passed a motion in support of a proposed Town of Olds off leash dog park.
During the recent council meeting, councillors passed a motion to waive $3,575 in re-designation fees for the park.
The Town of Olds has agreed to waive the same amount of fees, council heard.
In a letter to the county, Olds mayor Judy Dahl said the park, which would be located just northwest of Olds, would benefit town and county residents alike, as well as visitors to the area.
She called the park “a natural area that serves and addresses the needs of families from all corners of the region and is most often neglected – when socially, for animal lovers, it is a priority. This has become a priority with the growing number of travellers and need for safety when walking animals.”
County reeve Bruce Beattie says waiving the fee is a good way to help the project move forward.
“There is a good argument to be made that this will benefit Mountain View County,” said Beattie.
Coun. Duncan Milne said although he isn't sure many county dog owners will use the park, it is a good alternative to having pet owners let their animals run in farmers' fields.
Coun. Angela Aalbers said she is in support of the park.
“It encourages people to be responsible. I think it is a really good initiative,” said Aalbers.
CAO Tony Martens says waiving the fees is a “matter of building good neighbourly relations” with the Town of Olds.
Plans are to have the park in operation in 2014.
